Lobsterfest 2014: The New Diet
By Alexa Smith, Staff Writer
It’s a challenging feat to get a musician to convey into words what their music truly means to them. When they do open up, it’s difficult to tell if it’s entirely sincere or even accurate. The way a fan perceives the group may be an entirely different concept than what the band had intended in the first place, so it’s important for the fans to get a feel for the meaning behind their work. ACRN spoke with Anthony Focareto of Chicago crunk rock or “crock” outfit The New Diet over a bottle of Pinot Noir.
When did The New Diet get rolling?
Anthony Focareto: The project was approximately started in 2004 inside of a laboratory on the south side of “Big Stink” or “Stinky Onion,” as the natives would call it. We began and continue to make songs together because of the fulfillment it gives us. I suppose we're all willing to live outside the normal structured life to pursue a sound experience that travels internally and on the interstates of North America and beyond. Wouldn't it be cool to live the road paved by our musical and historical heroes? We are ready and willing to skip a couple showers and meals to tell a story that would inspire our nieces and nephews to have fun, be a little reckless. That's why we started.
Can you tell me about how the band got its name?
The name was given to us by audio scientist Brian Broscoe. Unfortunately... he's the only one that has the answer to the question. We also wonder why we're The New Diet...
Would you say that you and the other band members are all pretty good pals?
We've been The New Diet for 10 years, so I'd say our bond is strong. I think that's because we believe in each other and the songs we write together. There's no question, we've shot ourselves in the leg a couple times, but hey, we're not in this for our health. That's what Levon [Helm] would say.
How would you describe your sound to those who have never heard you play before?
Loose, Schitz ‘n’ Roll... We never bulls-eyed one sound, but we try every one through buzzin' guitars and deep, heavy rhythms. We get a kick out of the unknown influence that may invade the senses to play that G diminished measure a lot more funky.
What do you try to accomplish when you are making and playing music?
A sense of uncomfortable satisfaction, taking a second listen to understand what just happened, or what that meant. We hope to teeter that fine line of bittersweet. A good, slow burn sounds alright, well aged.
You guys recently released Basement Minded Thoughts in February. What was the meaning behind the album, or was it more of you guys just trying to have a good time?
The basement is a nostalgic place; a mysterious, weird, happy place. Treasures, dated projects, photos, dusty instruments, old toys, barber shop accessories... there's a lot of inspiration to grab from down there, and it happens to be a place where we like to play shows and write songs. It made sense to name it BMT after we heard the songs in context and knew where they came from.
What is the general atmosphere of your shows? What should the people expect?
There's always lots of band dudes and ladies, talking band dude and lady dreams. Sometimes we'll even get a tub of jungle juice. Once we played for only the sound guy. The “big stink” offers tamale dealers, arcades, drifters, addicts, you name it...childhood dreams.
How are you guys feeling about playing Lobsterfest?
Thankful to Shane [Riley] from Frankie Teardrop who made LF happen for us. He's all about working for the cause and we're ecstatic to be apart of it, and needless to say when your name is next to Deerhoof it's a good excuse to feel great!
